Funk This - Chaka Khan

Advantages: Great songs, great performances, great recording
Disadvantages: A few weak tracks

.... Track 11 is Cloud Nine - sung by Meschell Ndegeocello in a superbly individual and emotional style and featuring some great guitar effects. Track 12 is my all-time favourite track, as it is my favourite song, What's Going On, sung by my favourite singer, Chaka Khan. As with so many of her songs, she starts off almost sleepily, but builds to a great climax and introduces some jazz vocals backed by great rhythm provided by multiple drummers (I'm not that perceptive - I watched the DVD!) There are a couple of idiosyncratic tracks which are included - an instrumental version of Bernadette - presumably to highlight the bass of James Jamerson, and The Flick. Nevertheless, this is a superb package overall and I highly recommend it. This CD is readily available in stores or on-line, with a typical price of around £8 - but shop around! I got mine... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: pure funk.
Disadvantages: erm... ... I couldn't get the inlay out of the case. I think that's more my problem though.

...Jamiroquai's 'A Funk Odyssey' - it does exactly what it says on the tin. 1. Feel So Good - Although it opens with an ominous windy sound, this track is exactly what we've come to expect from Jamiroquai; pure funk and acid jazz, only this time with no deep-rooted meaning. A no-brainer foot stomper this is, with a big bassline and a little funky guitar riff which (I think) is the sample referred to in the booklet. A definite contender for the next single, and one of the standout tracks on this immense album. Funk-o-meter: ***** 2. Little L - The first single to be released off the album, so you probably all know it. Once again a nice build up at the start, another driving bassline and you just can't resist shaking your ass to this one. I'm pretty sure this is about an ex-girlfriend, but of JK or Smith (Track 9 is the only one JK... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: exceptional
Disadvantages: none

...a true genius in his field, ustad vilayat khan has left a rich legacy of his beautiful music. his style of playing was indeed unique to his own gharana (a household of music that students join to learn) that he was the prime representative for. He knows exactly what he must do to make his playing heart breaking and emotionally overwhelming. the raga marwa is a beautiful raga already, and in the hands of such an expert one can really see the flowers of the terrifying raga blossom out. his death is a huge loss to the world of indian music and one can do nothing but admire how he did in his life time what generations have not been able to do. his sons, now playing as well as him reflect his humble attitude to his music and his love for his sitar and equally his voice. he may have passed away but his music will never be forgotten... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful